Serbia honors Chavez with state decoration.
B92, Tanjug
Politics | March 6, 2013 | 16:21
BELGRADE -- Serbian President Tomislav Nikolić offered his condolences on Wednesday to the family of President Hugo Chavez, the leadership and people of Venezuela.
The president's message was sent on behalf of the Serbian citizens and in his own name.
Hugo Chavez, 58, died on Tuesday after a two-year battle with cancer.
"The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela has been left without its president, the Republic of Serbia without a sincere friend," Nikolić wrote, and added:
"The world political scene has been left without a great statesman, whose tolerance, understanding of the historical moment, endurance with which he fought for a better future of his people, contribution to peace in the region and the world, became the characteristics after which the name of Hugo Chavez will in the future be uttered with deep respect."
The president's cabinet also announced on Wednesday that Hugo Chavez has been posthumously honored with the Order of the Republic of Serbia on a sash, for his contribution to the development and strengthening of peaceful cooperation and friendly relations between the two countries.
It has also been announced that Oliver Antić will attend the funeral in Caracas in his role as Nikolić's special envoy.
Serbian Prime Minister Ivica Dačić also sent his condolences over the passing of the Venezuelan leader, and addressed them to the country's Vice-President Nicolas Maduro.
"On behalf of the government of the Republic of Serbia and on my personal behalf I wish to express my deep condolences on the occasion of the death of President of Venezuela Hugo Chavez, who was a great friend of Serbia, an advocate of improved relations between our countries, and known for his principled position in favor of a solution of the Kosovo and Metohija problem in line with international law."
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Putin Hails Chavez as ‘Strong’ Leader.
MOSCOW, March 6 (RIA Novosti) - World leaders have been reacting to the death of Venezuelan leader Hugo Chavez, the populist figurehead of Latin American socialism whose larger-than-life personality split both international and domestic opinion, with Russian President Vladimir Putin among those praising his legacy.
“He was an unorthodox and strong person, who looked to the future and always set himself the highest standards,” Putin said in a Kremlin message of condolence after Chavez’s death on Tuesday following a prolonged battle with cancer.
Putin added he was confident the Venezuelan people would be able to overcome what he called the “test” presented by Chavez’s death and continue to build a “strong, independent and prosperous” nation.
Ties between Russia and Venezuela flourished under Chavez, whose 14-year-rule brought Moscow a number of lucrative arms deals and a close ally in South America.
Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev said Chavez had devoted his life to the battle for "justice and equality."
"We share the pain of your loss - we will always remember this wonderful person, patriot and citizen," he said in a message of condolence to the Venezulean people.
In the former Soviet republic of Belarus, strongman leader Alexander Lukashenko declared a three-day mourning period in connection with Chavez's death.
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said Venezuela had lost a "brave, wise and revolutionary leader."
US President Barack Obama - whose country was frequently the subject of Chavez’s ire - was much more lukewarm.
“At this challenging time of President Hugo Chavez’s passing, the United States reaffirms its support for the Venezuelan people and its interest in developing a constructive relationship with the Venezuelan government,” Obama said.
“As Venezuela begins a new chapter in its history, the United States remains committed to policies that promote democratic principles, the rule of law, and respect for human rights,” he added.
Former US President Jimmy Carter said in a statement that Chavez would go down in history “for his bold assertion of autonomy and independence for Latin American governments.”
United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon said simply he was “conveying condolences” to Chavez’s “family and the people of Venezuela."
British Foreign Secretary William Hague said: "I was saddened to learn of the death of President Hugo Chavez today. As President of Venezuela for 14 years he has left a lasting impression on the country and more widely.”
In Cuba, the government said in a statement that Chavez had "stood by Fidel [Castro] like a true son."
Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff said: "This death should fill all Latin and Central Americans with sadness," adding "Hugo Chavez was without doubt a leader committed to his country and to the development of the people of Latin America." She described Chavez as “a great leader, an irreparable loss and above all a friend of Brazil.”
(Adds Ahmadinejad comment, Belarus mourning period)

Moscow Sends Oil Boss Sechin as Envoy to Chavez Funeral.
NOVOSIBIRSK, March 6 (RIA Novosti) - Igor Sechin, President Vladimir Putin’s special representative and former deputy prime minister, will head the Russian delegation at Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez’s funeral, Kremlin press secretary Dmitry Peskov said on Wednesday amid concerns about the future of bilateral business ties.
Sechin, president of the Rosneft oil company and chairman of the board at the Rosneftegaz company, is a man who has been closely involved in bilateral Russian-Venezuelan relations, Peskov said.
Hugo Chavez was the architect of the “multidimensional” relationship between Russia and Venezuela while Sechin was “a proactive initiator of energy, banking and other projects,” Peskov said.
The Russian delegation will also include Trade and Industry Minister Denis Manturov and Russian Technologies (Rostekhnologii) state corporation general director Sergei Chemezov.
Ties between Russia and Venezuela flourished under Chavez, whose 14-year-rule brought Moscow a number of lucrative arms and energy deals and a close ally in South America. Manturov said the change of leadership in Venezuela should not affect ongoing Russian-Venezuelan contracts and agreements.
“We have signed contracts with the state, therefore there are federal obligations on the part of our Venezuelan partners. I have no such concerns,” he said.
Russian companies are involved in five major oil projects in Venezuela. The largest is the development of the Junin-6 block in the Orinoco oil belt with a total estimated investment volume of $20 billion. Venezuela is also one of Russia’s leading partners in the defense and technology sector.
Moscow hopes to preserve “constructive, warm relations” with Venezuela, Manturov said.
Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin said Chavez was Russia’s friend, adding that all matters of future cooperation should only be addressed after the last respects have been paid to him.
“After that we will start thinking of how not only to preserve but expand on all the agreements achieved under Hugo Chavez, with our traditional partner in Latin America.”
Russian Foreign Ministry spokesman Alexander Lukashevich said Moscow is confident that Chavez’s policies will continue.
“We have no doubts that Hugo Chavez’s noble cause is in reliable hands. We are confident that the focused work to create a strong, independent and prosperous Venezuela will continue,” Lukashevich said.
Venezuelan Oil Minister Rafael Ramirez, who is also president of the state-owned oil and natural gas company PDVSA, said Venezuela will continue Chavez’s policy toward the oil industry, aimed at achieving sovereignty and national control over the sector.
“We will not go against Chavez’s outstanding legacy, such as the president’s oil policy,” he said.
Venezuela is the largest oil exporter in South America, and is among the four largest oil suppliers to the United States and has been steadily increasing oil supplies to China. In 2011, OPEC stated Venezuela overtook Saudi Arabia in its volume of oil reserves.
Russia's President Vladimir Putin conveyed his condolences to the Venezuelan people in a telegram to the Venezuelan vice president.
“He was an unorthodox and strong person, who looked to the future and always set himself the highest standards,” Putin said in a Kremlin message of condolence after Chavez’s death on Tuesday, following a prolonged battle with cancer.
Putin added he was confident the Venezuelan people would be able to overcome what he called the “test” presented by Chavez’s death and continue to build a “strong, independent and prosperous” nation.
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Lukashenko addresses the nation over the death of President Hugo Chavez.
06.03.2013 17:50
MINSK, 6 March (BelTA) - Following the death of the Venezuela President Hugo Chavez, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko addressed the Belarusian people and representatives of the international community, BelTA learned from the press service of the Belarusian head of state.
“Our hearts are paralyzed with the sad news. The close, trusted friend, our brother, President of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela Hugo Chavez died.
Without trying to conceal our tears, we grieve along with Venezuelan people mourning the tragic abrupt death of Hugo Chavez, one of the greatest statesman and leaders of our time, the great hero, the passionate patriot and the fighter for independence, the outstanding politician, the thinker and speaker, the exceptional strong man who loved life and who dedicated his life to the service for his country.
Under the leadership of Hugo Chavez, the heir and successor of the noble cause led by Simon Bolivar, Venezuela got rid of the heavy and hateful burden of poverty and underdevelopment. It broke free from the political and economic suppression of the foreign countries. President Chavez firmly and strongly led his country to happiness and freedom. He was, and I am sure he will remain, in the hearts of millions of people, the true farther of the Venezuelan nation, the protector of the poor, the suppressed and the underprivileged. He will always be shining hope and the foundation of the democracy in the South American continent.
Today we lost a close relative and a best friend, who passionately loved Belarus and always was there for us when we needed help. Our joint work together for the benefit of Belarus and Venezuela, warm and friendly relationship will always remain the most treasured memories in my life.
The name of President of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela Hugo Chavez is engraved in the book of our history with the golden letters and he and his deeds now became part of eternity.
Today, in this hour of sorrow and pain, we express our deepest condolences to the relatives and close ones of Hugo Chavez, to all people of Venezuela. In the name of the memory of the great leader, we solemnly promise to execute and accomplish our joint projects and plans, to continue the policy of friendship and mutual assistance, to do everything to further strengthen and develop our collaboration for the benefit of our countries.
Rest in peace, our friend and brother, Hugo Chavez. Your cause will live for ever.”
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Tens of thousands pay respects to Chavez
www.b92.net/eng/news/world-article.php?yyyy=2013&mm=03&dd=07&nav_id=85051'Farewell, Comandante:’ Venezuelans throng to view Chavez’s body in state (PHOTOS)
rt.com/news/chavez-lies-in-state-920/Venezuelans and world leaders bid farewell to Hugo Chavez (PHOTOS)
rt.com/news/chavez-funeral-venezuela-maduro-024/
This handout picture released by Venezuelan presidency press office shows Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad(R) and Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko paying their respects at the coffin of late Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez in Caracas, on March 8, 2013. (AFP Photo/Presidencia/Miguel Angel Angulo)
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wo3CdIBT92gwww.youtube.com/watch?v=UjUz11TGjAk